Savarin & Co. | A Conversation
Ben Ashby
Wool American Flags Handcrafted in the U.S.A. Savarin & Co. is reviving the art of fine flag making in America. Using Sustainable materials, American manufacturing, and U.S. sourced materials.
I am obsessed with all things Americana. When I first heard of Andrew Savarin from Savarin & Co. I knew I needed to know more about why he started making flags, why he is a maker, and why wool!
Who are you: Andrew Savarin
Where are you: Brooklyn, NY
Why are you a maker: The need to create something with my hands has always been a way for me to express myself starting from as far back as I can remember. I wasn't always a great communicator so making objects was a form of communication for me to get my ideas out into the world. It gave me a chance to explore my natural curiosity for the world. For the flags its a bit different as we are making essentially one object. But because they are handmade each one has its own little personality. So within the framework of the flag there are small nuances which make each piece unique. That is why I love being a maker because these things that you cannot control become a part of the work and are what make it a special experience for me and hopefully for the people who purchase one of our flags.
Why flags: The American flag is probably one of the most recognizable symbols in the entire world and yet its success has only helped to fuel an industry that uses it solely to make a profit. We chose to make American flags because we want to change that way people view the flag and try to make an impact on one industry that has gone on too long without focusing on quality, sustainability, and responsibility. We're hoping that our flags can be a symbol to inspire change, even in some small way, for how products are produced and consumed in America.
Why wool: A little known fact: some of our earliest American flags dating back to the 18th century were originally made out of wool fabric. Wool was chosen for flags because of its excellent ability to withstand water and natural resistance to mildews and molds. The absorbent fibers "breathe" by wicking away moisture from the body of the sheep and releasing it into the air. Because of this Wool over 200 years old can still be vibrant and supple. Our flags are proudly made using wool woven at the oldest continuously operated vertical woolen mill in the United States. Woolrich, Pa. Supporting American workers and American manufacturing since 1830.
Why support makers: By supporting a maker you are helping to support a revival of American made goods and fine craftsmanship.
Andrew also provided us with a few details about flag making!
Facts about Our flags!
The wool for their flags is sourced from Woolrich in Pennsylvania, the oldest continuously operated vertical woolen mill in the United States. They chose wool for its sustainability, longevity, and beautiful aesthetic.
A little known fact: some of our earliest American flags dating back to the 18th century were originally made out of wool fabric.
At Savarin & Co. their goal is to create flags of the highest quality that can instill the values and principles upon which the flag was created. They believe that a flag if produced with fine materials and attention to detail can be displayed year round as a work of art.
The signature flag is completely sewn, meaning each star and stripe is individually stitched together by a skilled artisan. There are very few flag makers still producing flags this way because it is a very costly and time consuming method that was phased out by the end of the 19th century and replaced with painted or printed stars.
They believe it is one of the best ways to make a beautiful flag that will last for generations. $3.6 million worth of flags were imported into the U.S. in 2013 from China, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
At Savarin & Co. they believe the best way to make an American flag is using American resources and manufacturing. They want to help create flags while helping to rebuild jobs in their own communities.